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On the hunt for the best sustainable swimwear brands for kids and babies in 2024?
The task may seem a bit daunting with all the questions parents have on their minds: What makes eco-friendly kids’ swimwear the right choice?? Which type of natural fabric is best for sun protection? What sustainable baby swimwear brands are the most durable?
Not to worry, our team has got you covered! Check out this super durable and safe eco-swimwear for children and babies below!
Spoiler Alert: We also included some fantastic recycled children’s swimwear and OEKO-TEX swimwear babies love having fun in.
P.S. If you are looking for more awesome roundups for kids, check out our favorite 21 Best Affordable and Organic Kids Clothing Brands in 2024.
Our Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands For Kids & Babies Guide
Choosing the best eco-friendly kids’ swimwear can be tricky, especially if you’re searching for sustainable brands that use planet-friendly materials and ethical supply chains.
Finding sustainable swimsuits for kids and eco-baby swimwear for ultimate sun protection may seem daunting, but you’ll be happy to hear that there are more brands out there than you may have thought that are making swimwear with both children and Mother Earth in mind.
From cute one-pieces and bikinis to swim tops, swim shorts, and rash guards, this is the ultimate guide to the best swimwear for kids!
Our team has compiled a list of the best sustainable swimwear brands that kids and parents will love equally. Safe, protective, and fun –seriously, what more can we ask from the most noteworthy eco-friendly kids’ swimwear brands?
What is sustainable swimwear?
Sustainable swimwear for kids is crafted with a focus on environmental and social responsibility throughout its production lifecycle. Think of recycled or upcycled fabrics such as cycled nylon, recycled polyester, and other regenerated materials to help reduce the demand for new resources and minimize waste.
On top of that, sustainable swimwear brands prioritize fair labor practices, ensuring that workers involved in the manufacturing process are treated ethically, paid fair wages, and operated in safe working conditions.
What material makes the best sustainable kid’s bathing suits?
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is a natural choice for sustainable kids’ swimwear. Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, organic cotton promotes healthier soil and ecosystems.
While less common in swimwear due to its water-absorbing nature, organic cotton is sometimes blended with other materials to provide a comfortable and breathable option for children who may have sensitivities to synthetic fabrics.
TENCEL(Lyocell)
TENCEL, derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp, is a suitable material for eco-friendly kids’ swimwear. Known for its softness and breathability, TENCEL provides comfort while also being biodegradable.
While not as commonly used in swimwear as synthetic materials, TENCEL offers a natural alternative for parents seeking sustainable options for their children.
Recycled Nylon
Recycled nylon is a popular choice for sustainable kids’ bathing suits. It is created by repurposing post-consumer waste, such as discarded fishing nets and fabric scraps.
This process helps reduce the demand for new resources and minimizes environmental impact.
Recycled nylon maintains the durability and flexibility needed for swimwear, making it an excellent choice for active kids who love to splash and play in the water.
Recycled Polyester
Another sustainable material for kids’ swimwear is recycled polyester. This fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans.
Recycled polyester retains the quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties necessary for swimwear, ensuring that kids stay comfortable both in and out of the water.
This post is all about the best sustainable swimwear brands for kids & babies.
Sustainable Children’s Swimwear Brands
1. Good Weekend
Created by Jen Brannen and based out of Vero Beach, Florida, Good Weekend has considered all aspects of eco-friendly kids’ swimwear design, from the materials used to the different unisex styles of swimwear they offer.
Moreover, the company uses fabrics made from recycled yarns and has saved 86.7 kg of waste, which was turned into ECONYL® material.
Comfort is a top priority – you won’t find any itchy tags or mesh linings in their swimsuits.
Their fabrics are also UPF 50+ and certified STANDARD100 by OEKO-TEX®.
Lastly, lauded as one of the best sustainable swimwear brands for kids, Good Weekend makes its products in Bali, Indonesia, and only works with partners who have ethical practices, pay fair wages, and have positive environmental policies.
Price: From $40+
Size Range: 12M-6Y
Ethics: OEKO-TEX® Certified, 1% for the planet, intentional packaging, minimizing waste
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Best Sustainable Swimsuits from Good Weekend:
2. Little Green Radicals
Oeko-tex certified sun-safe suits? Check! Fairtrade long-sleeve rash vests? Check! Shorts and one-piece bikinis? Triple check!
Little Green Radicals want to keep our little ones comfortable and protected.
That’s why they’re using fabric from recycled plastic bottles that boast UPF 50+ sun protection.
So far, they’ve saved over 290,000 post-consumer plastic bottles from landfill! How amazing is that?
Plus, the pieces are adorned with unisex, easy-to-spot prints we know you’ll love!
Price: From $30+
Size Range: 0M-8Y
Ethics: GOTS Certified, fair trade pioneers, recycled fabric,
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Best Sustainable Swimwear from Little Green Radicals:
3. Hanna Andersson
Hanna Andersson creates sustainable children’s swimwear, including one-pieces, bikinis, trunks, rash guards, rompers, and cover-ups made from terry cloth.
Their swimwear is designed for babies and toddlers (0-3 years) and children aged 2-14 (plus they design for us adults too – yay!).
They also have a ‘matching family’ section where you can buy ethical swimsuits to match your kids – how cute is that!
Hanna Andersson ensures their supply partners adhere to their code of conduct, guaranteeing fair wages, safe working conditions, and employment rights.
They use recycled materials in all their eco-baby swimwear and sustainable children’s swimwear. Currently, they are also working towards being GRS certified.
Price: From $26+
Size Range: 0M-12Y
Ethics: OEKO-TEX® Certified, GOTS Certified, Global Recycled Standard (GRS) Certified
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Best Sun-Safe Swimwear from Hanna Andersson:
4. Ina Swim AUD
Ina Swim, with the mission of “Fashion for Our Future,” is the brainchild of a dedicated group of mothers who practice gentle parenting.
The Aussie company crafts elegant, OEKO-TEX-certified, and ethical swimwear that boast UPF50+ protection and are 100% sustainable, ethically produced, and ultra-chlorine resistant.
The materials of choice? 100% recycled nylon, recycled elastane, and recycled polyester as well as GOTS-certified organic fabrics, and European flax Fibre-certified linen hats!
Even their main packaging is biodegradable, certified carbon-free, and certified Home Compostable!
Moreover, all pieces for women and children are ethically manufactured by a family-run facility in Bali.
To cap it all off, Ina Swim remains dedicated to minimizing waste generation and reducing its carbon footprint through waste reduction and recycling programs aligned with the Waste Framework Directive.
Best Sustainable Swimwear For Babies & Kids from Ina Swim:
Price: From $40+
Size Range: 6M-8Y
Ethics: OEKO-TEX® Certified, GOTS Certified, fair labor practices, transparency & accountability
Location/Shipping: Indonesia/Australia, ships worldwide
5. Monica + Andy
In addition to affordable toddler clothes made of organic and fair trade materials, Monica + Andy also make fantastic baby and toddler swimsuits from sun-safe, UPF 50+ fabric.
Skirt swimsuits, one-pieces, bottoms, cover-ups, trunks – you name it they have it!
In addition to being overly cute, all pieces are also lead, phthalate, and flame-retardant-free.
Plus, the ethical bathing suits for kids are available in splurge-worthy sets and singles – -the choice is yours!
Best Swimsuits for Babies & Kids from Monica + Andy:
Price: From $18+
Size Range: 0M-10Y
Ethics: GOTS Certified, Organic & Fair Trade cotton, women-owned
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
6. Summersalt
Summersalt’s sustainable kid’s swimwear line is crafted ethically and sustainably using post-consumer materials like recycled polyamide and lycra, all while providing UPF 50+ protection.
On their virtual shelves, you can find an array of bold, unapologetic prints and colors that perfectly complement your little one’s adventurous spirit.
From one-shoulder style bikini styles to boy shorts equipped with inner mesh to accommodate a swim diaper, there’s something for every age and gender.
To top it all off, Summersalt manufacturing partners carry the WRAP certification.
Best Swimsuit Sets from Summersalt:
Price: From $27.51
Size Range: 0M-14Y
Ethics: GOTS & Global Recycled Standard (GRS) Certified, sustainable & recycled materials, manufacturing partners with WRAP certification
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Aruba
7. Mon Coeur
Known as one of the most sustainable swimwear brands for kids, Mon Coeur (meaning “my heart”) swimwear is designed for Earth-loving toddlers, babies, and parents.
They have many eco-friendly kids’ swimwear ranging from trunks and bikinis to rash guards that come in pink, blue, and neutral colors with playful designs.
Mon Coeur rash guards and bikinis are made from 100% recycled polyester ECONYL (with SPF 50+ protection), and their trunks are made from SEAQUAL yarn, made from 100% recycled polyester from fishing nets.
Their recycled children’s swimwear is made in Portugal with European-sourced fabrics and accessories to limit emissions, and all their products (not just their swimwear!) are made with recycled materials that are GRS-certified (Global Recycled Standard).
Best SPF 50+ Swimsuits from Mon Coeur:
Price: From $64+
Size Range: 3M-10Y
Ethics: 1% for the planet, carbon-neutral, repurpose & up-cycle
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
8. Fair Harbor
Fair Harbor creates a variety of sustainable swim trunks for kids, ranging in different styles from sporty, nautical designs to geometric prints and animal patterns.
The best is that these trunks are mesh-free! They use a breeze knit liner that is super comfortable, soft, supportive, and chafe-less!
Fair Harbor has chosen to only work with ethical factories that they regularly visit in person to ensure their standards are being maintained.
They use recycled materials in all their swimwear, made from plastic bottles saved from landfills and oceans.
Best Swimsuits For Boys from Fair Harbor:
Price: From $38+
Size Range: 5-12Y | S-XXL
Ethics: Certified B Corporation, recycled materials
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
9. Boden UK
Perfect for your mini fashionista, Boden’s eco-friendly kid’s swimwear designs are the cutest things we’ve ever seen!
From frilly, one-shoulder swimsuits to rainbow halternecks, these swimsuits are the height of kids’ fashion – plus you’ll be able to spot them a mile away on the beach.
Find surf suits, rash guards, swimsuits, and trunks for babies 3 months and older, right up to 13-14 year-olds. That’s right! They have sustainable baby swimwear for every sartorial taste.
What makes them one of the best sustainable swimwear brands for kids?
Boden uses recycled materials in all of their swimwear and all of their clothing is designed to last, meaning it won’t need to be replaced as often, saving you money and saving the planet from unnecessary waste!
Best Swimsuits For Babies & Kids from Boden:
Price: From $20+
Size Range: 0M-14Y
Ethics: Fair wages, clothing recycling program, recycled packaging, supports charities
Location/Shipping: UK, ships worldwide
10. Reima
Reima creates sustainable swimwear for babies, toddlers, kids, and juniors, including swim trunks, shorts and leggings, swim tops and shirts, bikinis, swimsuits, and even swimming shoes (perfect for clambering over rock pools!)
The eco-friendly kid’s swimwear styles range from sporty, monotone designs to bright prints with butterflies, fish, and flowers.
Reima has a ‘Reima Green Promise’ that their clothes are free from forbidden substances (stating they’re clean enough to chew on!) and, from 2023, Reima has committed to using sustainable materials in over 90% of their clothes.
Best Sustainable Swimsuits For Babies & Kids from Reima:
Price: From $29.95
Size Range: 12M-14Y
Ethics: Sustainable materials, Bluesign® Certified, FSC Certified, Sustainable packaging
Location/Shipping: United States
11. Frugi UK
Frugi (Latin for fruits of the earth) was born in 2004 and is based in Cornwall, England.
Their swimwear is made from recycled polyester and is sun-safe (rated UPF 50+), perfect for wearing to the beach or pool!
They have a select range of recycled children’s swimwear that includes swimsuits, trunks, tankinis, and hats, and the designs are adorable, we love the rainbow whales!
Frugi has a code of conduct that ensures no child labor, no forced labor, fair wages, and safe working conditions, and they will only work with suppliers who align themselves with these standards to create sustainable kid’s swimwear (they regularly check up on them to make sure!)
Best Sustainable Swimwear For Babies & Kids from Frugi:
Price: From $24+
Size Range: 0M-9Y
Ethics: GOTS Certified
Location/Shipping: UK ships worldwide
12. Kampos
The B-certified corporation Kampos offers amazing, print-adorned sustainable swimwear for kids.
Inspired by the stunning and colorful, but endangered, coral reefs and other natural scenes, the one-piece and bikini styles are crafted from ECONYL® regenerated nylon from recycled fishing nets and other nylon.
The fabric is not only high-performance but also dries quickly and has built-in UV protection and chlorine-resistant qualities.
Cute, premium-quality, and ethical – what more can we ask for?
Price: From $54+
Size Range: 4Y-12Y
Ethics: Certified B Corporation, produced with recycled materials, sustainable & eco-friendly
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
13. Noma UK
Noma, one of the UK’s best sustainable swimwear brands for kids, creates gender-neutral, environmentally conscious swimwear for babies, young kids, and older kids – a brand your family can grow with!
Plus, when your kids outgrow their eco swimsuits, Noma encourages you to return them to be recycled, and you’ll receive a $5 voucher towards your next swimsuit.
You can find eco-baby swimwear as well as sustainable children’s swimsuits that run the gamut from swim shorts, bikinis, nappy covers, and rash vests, to hats in blue, turquoise, white, pink, and orange.
Noma is serious about being sun-safe. All their products are made of fabric with a UPF 50+ certification.
They have designed their swimsuits with longer sleeves, high necklines, and longer-length tops to offer even more protection from the sun.
Price: From $24+
Size Range: 6M-14Y
Ethics: Gender neutral, recycling scheme, plastic-free packaging
Location/Shipping: UK, ships worldwide
14. Elle Evans AUD
Elle Evans is one of the best sustainable swimwear brands for kids in Australia, dedicated to creating eco-friendly swimwear for children.
They use offcuts from their women’s swimwear collections to create these mini versions of bikinis, eco-baby swimwear, onesies, and swim shorts.
For the youngsters, they have fun prints and bright greens and pinks, and for the teens, they have more muted mature colors.
They even make reversible kids’ swimwear for double the use!
Elle Evans uses ECONYL® yarn in their swimwear, a regenerated nylon made from recycled plastic waste from the oceans and landfills.
All sustainable children’s swimwear are made-to-order, meaning they only produce what people have requested, reducing textile waste.
They also save the fabric scraps from pattern cutting to make trims, frills, or straps.
Price: From $41+
Size Range: 0M-16Y
Ethics: Made from recycled nylon waste, fair & ethically made to order, packaged & shipped responsibly
Location/Shipping: Australia, global shipping
15. August Society
August Society’s lineup of sustainable swimwear for kids includes long-sleeve swimsuits, trunks, reversible one-piece styles, and hoodies.
You can pick from a list of 10+ adorable prints to find your little one’s favorite.
And no worries, the fabric boasts UPF 30+ sun protection which means that it blocks over 98% of UVA & UVB rays.
That’s because the material for the brand’s ethical swimwear is waste plastic, such as single-use water bottles and ECONYL® regenerated nylon fibers derived from carpeting and ghost fishing nets.
Price: From $27+
Size Range: 24M-10Y
Ethics: Made out of recycled materials,
Location/Shipping: Singapore, ships worldwide
Sustainable Swimwear FAQs:
What sustainable swimwear is best for kids?
Sun safety is a big factor in deciding which sustainable swimwear brands are worth the investment. Rash guards or sun shirts are a great option for sun protection for kids of any age, as they provide a physical barrier from the sun and have UV protection within the fabric.
This makes life a lot easier as you won’t need to reapply as much sunscreen underneath the swimsuit in between swims! Good Weekend, Noma, Reima, and Elle Evans have created amazing sun-safe rash guards and sun shirts for babies, toddlers, and kids!
Remember, the best sustainable swimwear brands for kids should tick all your quality and safety boxes, given that children under age 10 are at high risk for skin and eye damage from UVR.
What is the most durable material used for swimwear?
One of the most durable materials commonly used for swimwear is recycled polyester. Polyester fabric is known for its excellent strength, resistance to stretching, and ability to retain its shape over time.
Polyester is highly resistant to the deteriorating effects of chlorine found in swimming pools. This resistance helps the fabric maintain its color and structural integrity even with regular exposure to chlorinated water.
What’s more, the fibers have low water absorbency, which means they don’t stretch out of shape when wet. This property helps swimwear maintain its original fit and structure, providing long-lasting wear.
On top of that, polyester dries relatively quickly compared to some other fabrics, reducing the time your swimwear spends damp and minimizing the risk of mold or mildew.
And lastly, polyester tends to retain color well, resisting fading from exposure to sunlight, saltwater, and chlorine.
How do I choose eco-friendly swimwear for my baby?
Choosing sustainable children’s swimwear will depend on their age, size, and what type of water they’ll be swimming in.
For example, if you’re buying an eco-friendly swimsuit for your child to take swimming lessons, you’ll want one that is chlorine-resistant, but if you’re off on your holiday to the sea, you might want a swimsuit that provides more warmth as the temperatures can be less predictable.
Color selection is also important, as different colors can be safer for children to wear while swimming, especially in lakes and oceans.
Overall, the questions to ask yourself when picking out a swimsuit for your child are:
- Is it durable? (so it can last as long as possible!)
- Is it sun-safe? Does the material have UV protection?
- Is it the right color? Will the swimsuit be visible enough while my child is swimming?
- Is it designed for where we’ll be swimming? Think chlorine or salt water, warm or cold water, and activities. You might want fuller coverage for more protection if they are bodyboarding, surfing or rock pool exploring.
What color swimsuit is best for children?
Another aspect you may not have considered is the color of the swimsuit and how safe it is for children. Swimsuits in bright, neon colors such as orange, yellow, and green can help parents and lifeguards easily spot children in a body of water or a crowded beach.
Colors such as blue, black, and natural green can make it incredibly tough to spot your child from a distance when they’re in the sea or a pool.
Other design elements such as characters, animals, or patterns can also help you describe the sustainable swimwear your child is wearing if they do happen to wander off.
Let’s not forget that experts suggest that colors such as blue, red, and all types of vivid hues are the best for sun protection compared to white or pastel colors of the same fabric.
These are key things to remember when picking your little ones’ swimsuits for the year.
How do I care for swimwear, so that it lasts longer?
Rinse After Use
Rinse your swimwear with cool, clear water after each use. This helps remove salt, chlorine, and sunscreen, which can contribute to fabric deterioration.
Hand Wash
Hand wash your swimwear with a gentle detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the fabric and affect color.
Avoid Hot Water
Use lukewarm or cool water for washing. Hot water can weaken the elasticity of the fabric over time.
Gently Pat Dry
Gently pat your swimwear dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as it can damage the fibers.
Avoid Wrapping in Towel
Don’t wrap your wet swimwear in a towel for an extended period. This can create a damp environment, leading to mold or stretching.
Skip the Washing Machine
Avoid using a washing machine, as the agitation and spinning can damage the fabric and cause stretching.
Dry Flat
Dry your swimwear flat on a clean, dry towel. Avoid hanging it, as the weight of water can distort the shape.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Dry your swimwear in the shade to prevent fading caused by direct sunlight.
Be Cautious with Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen before putting on your swimwear to avoid direct contact with the fabric. Some sunscreen ingredients can cause discoloration.
How do I wash swimwear?
After wearing your swimwear, rinse it immediately with cool, clear water to remove salt, chlorine, and sunscreen, which can be damaging over time.
Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent specifically designed for delicates or swimwear. Gently agitate the water to create suds.
Avoid excessive rubbing or wringing, as this can damage the delicate fabric. If there are specific stains, gently rub them with your fingers. Avoid using a brush or abrasive materials that can damage the fabric. Drain the soapy water and rinse the swimwear under cool, running water until all detergent is removed.
Gently pat the swimwear with a clean, soft towel to absorb excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as it can cause stretching. Then, lay the swimwear flat on a dry towel to air dry. Reshape the swimsuit to its original form to avoid distortion.
P.S. Never use a dryer to speed up the drying process. High heat can damage the elasticity and fibers of the fabric.
This post was all about the best sustainable swimwear brands for kids & babies.
These sustainable children’s swimwear brands have dedicated themselves to creating sustainable swimwear for children that doesn’t compromise on quality or style.
Perfect for your next trip abroad, taking swimming lessons, or just splashing about in the backyard pool! These sun-safe and sustainable kid’s and eco-baby swimwear brands have got everything you need.
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Hello,
I know Boden are eco friendly with their materials, but would they also be considered non toxic?
Hi Mary, this is a tough question. When it comes to swimwear, there are no brands that we found that did not use some type of polyester or recycled polyester (repreve or regenerative). The only thing we can do to ensure the fabric is considered “non toxic” is to look out for the OEKO-TEX certification. This cert isn’t perfect, but it does ensure that the fabric is at a much higher safety standard than others: This label certifies that every component of the product, from the fabric to the thread and accessories, has been rigorously tested against a list of up to 350 toxic chemicals. The brands that have this standard are Good Weekend, Frugi, Hannah Anderson, and Ina Swim.